Hgb A1c Conversion to Blood Sugars

The Hgb A1c blood test (or glycated hemoglobin) done in people with diabetes does not equal the values you see on your home blood glucose monitor. For example, an A1c of 8% does not mean your blood sugars for the past 3 months have been about 8 mmol/L. See below.

Keep in mind, that the "average" blood sugar (glycated hemoglobin) includes all blood glucose values from the past 3 months. Blood sugars during sleep, before eating, after eating, during work . . . etc. - whether you were testing using a home meter or not.

There are different references for converting glycated hemoglobin to meter readings. They do differ, so what your educator says may differ from what you see here. I have chosen the information from the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes.

A1c Blood Sugar Conversions

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REFERENCE:

American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Diabetes Care 28:S4-S36, 2005

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